Deliciously Interesting: The Story of Chocolate
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 1 - 3
This stand-alone course will introduce the students to the ancient Maya civilization in Central America which gave humanity the cacao tree. They traded using cacao beans as currency among themselves and with the Aztecs. According to their mythology, cacao was the food of the gods and the cacao tree only grew in paradise. The aim of the course is to provide students with a multidisciplinary experience through mindfulness, storytelling and hands-on math. Students will decipher the Maya numeral system and perform simple mathematical exercises. They will develop a basic appreciation of the enigmatic numeral system. In the story time segment, the students will hear stories from the Maya mythology and view slides in order to generate a class discussion. We will conclude with an enjoyable and memorable Mindful Eating exercise (*see Supply List*). This interactive introductory class will be an eye-opener. It requires no prior knowledge or experience. *** 25% SIBLING DISCOUNT if sharing one screen*** *** If you don't see a convenient time, please write to me.***
Learning Goals
Students will learn about the origins of cacao through Mayan mythology and develop an appreciation as to why cacao seeds were considered so valuable to be used as currency. Students will be introduced to the process the cacao seeds undergo before they are ready for consumption. We will talk about how the cacao fruit was exported to Europe where it evolved to be a confectionery. During the time allotted for discussion, students will be encouraged to reflect on what they have learnt.
Other Details
Supply List
** For the mindful eating exercise: 1 small piece of chocolate (could be darker than what your child usually eats), or a raisin, blueberry, grape or nut. If these edibles are not convenient for your child, I can provide additional suggestions for small bite size edibles. ** Print out of the "Maya numbers" file
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a teaching certificate
Non-US Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
1 teacher has a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Queen's University
I taught at Guatemala’s first Waldorf School located in an isolated indigenous Mayan village on the shores of Lake Atitlan. The village was home to several initiatives and cooperatives which produced cacao and chocolate; hence, the inspiration for this course. Over the three years I lived on Lake Atitlan, I developed a good understanding of the local cultures which today allows me to bring Mayan mythology and imagery to the classroom. I adapted to a school play the stories of the "Popol Vuh", a Quiché Maya narrative about creation relayed down orally for many generations. The stories blended folklore, mythology and history and are sometimes referred to as "The Sacred Book of the Maya". My grade 4/5 class presented the play to the village community.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$14
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 244 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-9
2-6 learners per class